Discover Kaatsheuvel through three very different aspects: the Efteling theme park, walking and hiking trails, and traces of local history and the shoe industry. When planning your trip, consider whether you would rather spend your time on park attractions, a hike or local history.
Efteling: Park Attractions and the Fairytale Forest
The Efteling theme park is located in Kaatsheuvel and officially opened on 31 May 1952. Its attractions are aimed at the youngest visitors, the whole family and adventure seekers. In the Fairytale Forest, visitors walk from one fairytale to the next and encounter gnomes, princesses, enchanted swans and dancing fairies, among others. The Efteling Museum displays objects from the past and present, as well as sketches by Efteling designers. While the Fairytale Forest takes visitors through fairytale worlds, the museum focuses on objects and designs.
Choosing Walks and Hiking Trails
For a marked hike with a specific distance, the Roestelberg Route is one option: it is 5.5 kilometres long, marked with yellow arrows, and passes through drifting sand, heathland and forest. Rondje Efteling has a different focus. The walking route circles the theme park and passes through Het Loonsche Land. This makes the distinction clear when choosing: Roestelberg offers a measured, marked hike; Rondje Efteling is defined by its route around the park and through Het Loonsche Land. The Oude Eftelingsestraat hiking trail passes along a stately, tree-lined avenue. The Spreekwoordenroute Kaatsheuvel is aimed mainly at groups with children aged 6 to 12, is free of charge, and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Local History and the Shoe Industry
Eftelingsestraat is many centuries old and was named after the hamlet of Efteling, which lay south of the road and had been there since the 14th century. The old Kerkpaadje was once the shortest route to the church and ran through fields and polders. St. Janskerk is one of Kaatsheuvel’s listed national monuments. The history of the names and the road’s former function reflect different historical layers of the town; St. Janskerk adds to this picture as part of its collection of listed monuments.
The shoe industry has its own notable sites. The old Stocko shoe factory on Rechtvaart is the only surviving factory of this size in Kaatsheuvel. Schoenfabriek Stokkermans is one of the last surviving traces of Kaatsheuvel’s shoe industry history. A guided tour of Kaatsheuvel covers the history of the leather industry.
Practical Information for Your Visit
The Toeristisch Informatiepunt Kaatsheuvel at Primera offers visitor information, tips, brochures, magazines, and a range of cycling and hiking maps. This selection can help you find your way around walking and cycling routes while you are there. Efteling has ample parking directly by the entrance.
Discover more destinations: De Moer, Loon Op Zand.
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